Before heading to Graceland, we wanted to check out the
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum. We were excited because it said the house had trapdoors and hidden tunnels. Sadly, it was closed because of COVID. (The website was not updated.)
We were only able to walk around outside.
I have always wanted to go to Graceland. I have big a big Elvis fan for as long as I can remember. (Not as avid a fan as my brother, Clark, but definitely a big fan.
I was glad I got the rest of the family hooked on his music and movies so they decided to join me. I was also glad that our trip got postponed because we were originally booked for the last tour of the day and I think we would have felt rushed.
We arrived a little early so we went and saw the airplanes first. Elvis once flew Lisa Marie to Colorado just so she could play in the snow and then they flew back. It was amazing! Baylie and Jalen now want their own planes.
The cockpit had four chairs. I'm guessing Elvis liked to sit up here sometimes.
Bathroom
Lounge
Game room. Lisa Maria had a birthday party in the sky at one point in her childhood.
Elvis liked to sit in this spot so he could work the 8-track tape system and phones - one of which could be used to call anywhere in the world while in the air.
At a time when most people only had one t.v., Elvis had TVs everywhere!
Bedroom - the spread is suede.
The other bathroom.
Inside of the smaller plane.
Cockpit of smaller plane.
One nice thing about traveling during COVID is that there are no crowds and no lines.
Social distancing, Elvis style.
Gladys's Diner
Graceland was named that before Elvis bought it. It was a lovely home. It's interesting to think of how Elvis was born in a shotgun home without indoor plumbing and ended up living here. He promised his parents that one day he'd buy them a home and he did. He was only 22 when he bought it. The house is 10,266 square feet on almost 14 acres and he paid $102,500. So crazy.
The living room. The peacock windows are awesome. Notice the t.v. by the grand piano. There were t.v.s everywhere.
His parent's bedroom.
His mother designed the poodle wallpaper.
The upstairs is off limits. Elvis never let guests go upstairs and they still don't today. The other bedrooms are up there as is the bathroom where he died.
The dining room - also had a t.v.
The kitchen was incredibly modern for the time. Another t.v.
The stairway had mirrors on the wall and ceiling. It was dizzying.
This room had three t.v.s plus a big screen and projector. It was the place where they would hang out to watch movies and news.
The walls and ceiling in the game room are made of fabric. It's incredible.
The jungle room was right off the kitchen.
The back wall was a waterfall.
Better view of the waterfall and the round chair that was Lisa Marie's favorite.
The ceiling also had green shag carpet.
Back of the house and carport.
Vernon's office.
Pastures - Elvis, Priscilla and Lisa Marie liked to ride.
Wedding clothes
Elvis's desk. It was state of the art with a radio, 8-track and t.v.
In the 70's, Elvis and his girlfriend redecorated the house and this is an example of what it looked like. For the tours, they put it back to it's 50's style.
He was fascinated with law enforcement. This pistol has a turquoise inlaid handle.
Exercise room
Elvis played at this piano and sang for his friends just hours before he died.
Raquetball court.
View from the court into the gym/lounge.
Meditation Gardens was a favorite place of Elvis and now it is where he, his parents and his grandmother are buried.
Jalen was in heaven in the car museum. I have to admit it was impressive.
The car in Blue Hawaii was a favorite because I love that movie.
We then had a very long drive ahead of us and hit states 6 and 7: Arkansas and Missouri.
We will visit some historical sites for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints tomorrow and then have two more long drives before we finally reach Las Vegas.
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